We’ve yet to meet anyone who can’t remember where they were on Sept. 11, 2001, when thousands of men and women lost their lives.

Many of us were kids in a classroom, who didn’t really understand. Others were adults, who had grown up without seeing an attack of this magnitude take place on home soil. No matter our age, we were all scared and left wondering what was next.

That particular day was terrible, but the days following it showed our country’s resolve.

American flags were waving everywhere. Police officers and firefighters were truly viewed as local heroes. And for months, we were all glued to the national news to see what was coming next.

Eventually, life moved on and for most of us, back to somewhat normal and then normal.

And that’s why it’s important to pause to remember what happened 18 years ago this week. It’s important to take a few minutes to honor the first responders who were injured or killed trying to save innocent people, and the thousands of other citizens who woke up that morning and saw a typical day turn into a nightmare.

The LaGrange community definitely took time Wednesday to remember that infamous day.

Dozens of locals, first responders and firefighters filled Callaway Stadium to climb 110 stairs, representing the stairs first responders took in the Twin Towers on 9/11. That’s an event that grows bigger and bigger each year.

St. Peters Catholic Church honored public safety officers and first responders with its Blue Mass service. Other locals also took to the streets to run 9.11 miles together for the 9/11 Remembrance Run.

All of these events were meant as tributes to the people who lost their lives 18 years ago, and we applaud everyone who organized or took part in each.

The attacks were meant to tear our country apart, but in reality, we all came together as Americans. It’s important to remember that.

The annual anniversary is also a reminder to tell your loved ones that you care about them and to thank the men and women who serve as first responders, who could be facing a terrible tragedy on their next shift.

No matter how busy your day was on Wednesday, we hope you took a few minutes to remember.